When I was in elementary school in the late sixties I was listening to the Beatles, The Monkees and anything else that A.M. Radio gave us. One day we had a special visit to our classroom by a couple of guys who called themselves "The Original Sloth Band." They amazed me by making music with things like a jug, a washboard, I believe I recall them having a washtub bass and it was the first time I had ever heard bottleneck guitar, which I have come to love. It was a small setting and very interactive, we were able to ask several questions and I think we were allowed to try some of the instruments.

The way I listened to music changed that day. I am forever grateful to "The Original Sloth Band" who turned out to be the Whiteley Brothers, who are still quite active and successful on the Canadian Folk/Blues scene.

Perhaps if the performers among Mudcatters would do something along these lines with their local schools the kids would realize that there is an alternative to The Spice Girls, Backstreet Boys and all the rest of the fabricated 'music' that they are being bombarded with.

For what it's worth, my eight year old daughter is learning "Willow Garden" on Guitar. My sister performs it, my daughter heard her practising it and asked to be taught it. Alas, she also listens to the Spice Girls, but there is hope.